Ant-like robots create complex glowing patterns

These glow-in-the-dark robots can hardly be described as intelligent. Called 'Lumibots', they move around by observing two basic rules: 'follow the light' and 'turn after a collision'. Yet, despite this simple behaviour, they manage to follow complex paths that are recorded artistically as their tail lights pass over photoluminescent paper.

A Lumibot's course isn't predictable, but it sometimes displays recognisable characteristics. For example, a robot will sometimes retrace its own trail in a visual feedback loop. Like an ant, it may also venture off to explore new areas or use shortcuts to hone in on a refined route.

According to Kronemann, the robots' inherent variability challenged her work as an artist. "The difficult thing about building in unexpected behaviour was letting go of control," she says.

The work has been well received by viewers who enjoy trying to guide the robots with a flashlight or attempting to right their course as they veer off the paper. Kronemann hopes to develop a kit that people can buy to create their own swarm experience.

These robots look like your average dull robot, turn the lights off and they are epix! I want a few, I wonder when were start seeing more robots in art shows, I know theres been many before but I think their carry on to increase with emerging robots like this, thanks a lot for sharing, loved it.